Category Manager

Position Title

Category Manager

Richmond, VA

Direct Hire

We are seeking an experienced Category Manager to lead strategic sourcing and category management initiatives for a global manufacturing organization. This role is responsible for developing sourcing strategies, negotiating supplier agreements, and ensuring a reliable, cost‑effective supply of raw materials, goods, and services that support manufacturing and business operations.

The ideal candidate brings a strong background in strategic procurement, category management, supplier relationship management, and contract negotiations
, along with experience managing large procurement portfolios. This is an excellent opportunity for a procurement professional who thrives in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment and enjoys partnering with cross‑functional teams to drive value, mitigate risk, and improve supply chain performance.

• Develop and execute strategic sourcing strategies for assigned categories to optimize cost, quality, and supply continuity.
• Manage supplier relationships, negotiate pricing, commercial terms, and long‑term agreements while ensuring contract compliance.
• Oversee procurement portfolios with annual spend exceeding $50 million
  .
• Analyze raw material markets, pricing trends, supply risks, and market dynamics to support informed sourcing decisions.
• Build and maintain supplier forecasts, pricing models, and long‑range sourcing plans aligned with business objectives.
• Identify and qualify new suppliers, technologies, and sourcing opportunities that improve competitiveness and supply resilience.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Operations, R&D, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams to support production requirements and business initiatives.
• Monitor supplier performance, quality, and service levels while driving issue resolution and continuous improvement.
• Support annual operating plans, long‑range planning initiatives, and strategic procurement objectives.
• Maintain accurate procurement and supplier data within SAP and other procurement systems.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies to ensure uninterrupted supply of critical materials and services.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Chemistry, Economics
  , or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in Category Management, Strategic Sourcing, or Procurement
  .
• Proven experience leading supplier negotiations and contract management initiatives.
• Strong background in supplier relationship management and strategic sourcing.
• Experience managing large procurement portfolios with annual spend of $50M or more preferred.
• Knowledge of procurement best practices, contract administration, and sourcing methodologies.
• Strong understanding of raw material markets, cost drivers, forecasting, and market analysis.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working cross‑functionally with manufacturing, engineering, operations, and business teams.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Proficiency with SAP or comparable ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Master's degree or MBA.
• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), CIPS, or similar procurement certification.
• Experience with in the chemical, petroleum, lubricant additive, industrial manufacturing, or specialty materials industries.
• Demonstrated knowledge of commodity markets, value chains, and supply chain economics.
• Experience developing long‑term sourcing strategies for global or multi‑site manufacturing operations.

• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and commercial awareness.
• Skilled negotiator capable of building long‑term supplier partnerships.
• Self‑motivated professional who can influence stakeholders across multiple business functions.
• Collaborative leader who promotes continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Comfortable balancing strategic initiatives with day‑to‑day procurement priorities.

Seneca Resources is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.